Profiled panel for the cladding of walls, ceilings, roofs and the like

ABSTRACT

This disclosure is directed to a panel of sheet material for the cladding of walls, ceilings, roofs or the like in which a generally planar main panel portion includes along transversely spaced longitudinally extending side portions first and second longitudinally extending ribs each of an inverted generally Ushaped configuration as viewed in transverse cross section and being defined by a pair of legs and a bight therebetween, each pair of legs has at least lower leg portions which diverge away from each other in a direction away from the main panel portion toward their respective bight with the height of the first longitudinally extending rib being greater than that of the height of the second longitudinally extending rib, and the divergent relationship of each rib being effected by at least one lower leg portion of each pair of legs being disposed at an angle other than normal to the main panel portion with preferably the last-mentioned lower leg portion of each pair of legs being transversely outermost and innermost leg portions of the respective first and second longitudinally extending ribs. Insulating means are provided between the first-mentioned and a second main panel portion with the second main panel portion including a longitudinally extending transversely projecting rib adjacent the first longitudinally extending rib with a longitudinally extending transversely undercut surface matching the contour of at least one surface of the projecting rib being disposed at an opposite edge of the second main panel portion.

United States Patent [1 1 Poter et al.

I [54] PROFILED PANEL FOR THE CLADDING OF WALLS, CEILINGS, ROOFS AND THELIKE [75] inventors: Hans Peter, Voerde; Niederrhein;

Christian Schroder, Mehrhoog, both of Germany [73] Assignee: ArmcoGmbl-l,

Unternehmemshereich Armco-Eurotec, Germany [22] Filed: Jan. 23, 1974[21] Appl. No.: 435,646

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Primary Examiner-Faw, Jr. PriceC. Attorney, Agent, or FirmDiller, Brown, Ramik & Wight lb l rf l/ j 209 J I 2h 2c 24 lo Sept. 23, 1975 [57] ABSTRACT This disclosure isdirected to a panel of sheet material for the cladding of walls,ceilings, roofs or the like in which a generally planar main panelportion includes along transversely spaced longitudinally extending sideportions first and second longitudinally extending ribs each of aninverted generally U-shaped configuration as viewed in transverse crosssection and being defined by a pair of legs and a bight therebetween,each pair of legs has at least lower leg portions which diverge awayfrom each other in a direction away from the main panel portion towardtheir respective bight with the height of the first longitudinallyextending rib being greater than that of the height of the secondlongitudinally extending rib, and the divergent relationship of each ribbeing effected by at least one lower leg portion of each pair of legsbeing disposed at an angle other than normal to the main panel portionwith preferably the last-mentioned lower leg portion of each pair oflegs being transversely outermost and innermost leg portions of therespective first and second longitudinally extending ribs.

insulating means are provided between the first-mentioned and a secondmain panel portion with the second main panel portion including alongitudinally extending transversely projecting rib adjacent the firstlongitudinally extending rib with a longitudinally extendingtransversely undercut surface matching the contour of at least onesurface of the projecting rib being disposed at an opposite edge of thesecond main panel portion.

19 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 1 of43,906,696

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 2 0M 3,906,696

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet4 0f4 3,906,696

FIG 6 PROFILED PANEL FOR THE CLADDING OF WALLS, CEILINGS, ROOFS AND THELIKE The present invention is directed to a panel of sheet material,preferably constructed of metal, for the cladding of walls, ceilings,roofs or the like which when collectively utilized are interlocked intorelationship with each other in transverse and/or longitudinaldirections.

Panels of the type to which the invention is directed are known whereinlongitudinal sides or edges are bounded by longitudinally extending ribsof a profiled configuration as viewed in transverse cross section. Suchribs generally include legs or flanks which are undercut at their basesor adjacent to the main panel and more often than not between suchprofile ribs are disposed stiffening or reinforcing ribs which runtransversely and/or longitudinally of the main panel. The transverseprofile of the longitudinally extending ribs at the edge or sides of thepanel are so constructed that they snap together one over another. Inone particular type of such panels the panels are fixed to girders,beams, rafters or the like through the intermediary of a rail from whichare integrally formed or into which are inserted caps with legs whichspring biasly engage within the profile ribs such that the legs ineffect biasingly engage the flanks or the legs of the profiled panelribs. The caps in turn may be directly secured to the rails or can beconnected directly to the understructure involved, i. e. the beam,rafter or the like, by screws, belts or similar fasteners.Unfortunately, this mode of affixing a profiled panel to a supportingstructure involves a considerable outlay in terms of material, labor,and of course expenditures of money. As an example, the caps need firstto be affixed to their associated rail and thereafter the rails and capsare affixed to the understructure of the building to which the profiledpaneling is to be attached. Moreover, such structure does not provide anarea within which a continuous insulating layer may be provided at anunderside between the paneling and the understructure.

In a further known conventional panel the edge ribs of two adjacentpanels are fitted directly one over another with the transverse profilethereof being unsymmetrical as viewed in transverse cross section.Generally a single undercut maintains two interlock ribs in assembledcondition and therefore conventional clips contoured to the profile ofthe ribs are found necessary to securely fix the panels to theunderstructure. At one edge of the panel which excludes the use of clipsscrews are generally employed to directly secure the panel at one of theprofiled ribs to the particular understructure involved. However, sincethe wall thickness of the panel is relatively thin the head of the screwhas only a weak holding force relative to the rib and therefore does notconstitute a reliable connection.

Another common feature of known panels of this type is that thelongitudinally extending ribs which are profiled in various manners andtransverse crossfiled panels of the type heretofore described byproviding a panel of sheet material for the cladding of walls, ceilings,roofs or the like which avoids the latter-noted disadvantagesparticularly by being affixed to any supporting structure in a simpleand reliable manner in the absence of special clips or the likestructure, yet provides for a continuous layer of insulating materialbetween the padding and the understructure involved.

The latter-noted disadvantages of prior art structures are also overcomeby providing one rib of a height greater than another rib such thatinterferences precluded, particularly when a fastening element is usedto secure the rib of lesser height to an understructure.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel panel of thetype heretofore described wherein the interlocking of adjacent panels isachieved by providing at least the longitudinally extending profiled oredge ribs with one leg portion or wall which diverges relative to a mainpanel portion of the panel such that interlocking of the ribs ofadjacent panels is efficiently assured, and the foregoing also permitsthe unification of adjoining or neighboring panels by a simple turningor rotary motion which makes assembly extremely simple and rapid.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel panel of thetype heretofore described wherein the rib of lesser height has a topwall or bight which is flat making it possible to use screws havingheads which are relatively large and thick which therefore lie flat uponthe flat top surface of the rib making manipulation required fortightening and fixing the screws much easier and utilizing but a singlefastener for overall installations. Due to such structure there is noneed for auxiliary element such as holding caps, clips or the like.However, such flattened top walls of the ribs provide greater stabilityand greater elastic properties such that the risk of the profile beingcrushed if walked upon by accident during assembly is avoided. Also,from a manufacturing standpoint such profile provides greater tolerancesand the roll-forming of such profiled panels is thus facilitated.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel panel ofthe type heretofore described wherein the construction permits a layerof insulating material consisting for example of foam plastics or thelike to be integrally united with the panel by being directly bondedthereto with the snap-engagement between the ribs of adjacent panelsconstructed as aforementioned avoiding the necessity of additionalaffixing means (clips) whereupon at least one of the ribs may be totallyfilled with the insulating material.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the panel included an addition tothe first-mentioned main panel portion a second panel portion having theinsulating material sandwiched therebetween with the panel being affixedthrough the use of fastening means (screws) passed through thelongitudinally extending profiled rib of the lesser height.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a novel sandwiched orcomposite panel of the type immediately aforesaid wherein thelast-mentioned or second panel portion includes a transversely rejectinglongitudinally extending rib along one of the profiled ribs whereas anopposite end edge of the same panel includes an angular surfacecontoured to the profile of at least one surface of the transverselyprojecting rib whereupon the latter-mentioned surface and ribsinterengage during the assembly of adjoining or neighboring panels.

The foregoing objectives achieve a profiled and insulated panel which isrelatively rigid thereby providing insulation which need not beseparately applied thus saving considerable time, work and money.Additionally, such panels as heretofore described are advantageouslymaintained at a readily manually, manipulatable size not to exceed awidth of approximately eighteen inches to two feet and a lengthcommensurate with the particular installation desired. A profiled panelof such size not only makes handling easier but it also makes possiblethe affixation of the panels with as few as possible points ofsecurement of the panel to a supporting or understructure.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear,the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by referenceto the following detailed description, the appended claims and theseveral views illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a novel panel orprofiled panel constructed in accordance with this invention, andillustrates two adjoining panels having ribs snap-engaging the same toeach other.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view similar to FIG. '1, andillustrates a plurality of the panels each having applied thereto alayer of insulating material with'the plurality of panels beinginterlockingly engaged to each other by the snap-engagement of adjoiningribs.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view, and illustrates themanner in which two ribs of adjoining panels are snap-engaged to eachother.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of another pair of panels constructed inaccordance with this invention, and illustrates the adjacent panelsbeing interlockingly engaged to each other by the snap-engagement ofadjoining ribs.

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken through another panelconstructed in accordance with this invention, and illustrates themanner in which first and second main panel portions have sandwichedtherebetween insulating material with the second panel portion having atopposite edges thereof a transversely projecting longitudinallyextending ribs and a matching undercut, respectively.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a joint formed between adjoiningpanels of the type illustrated in FIG. 5, and specifically illustratesthe manner in which snapengagement is achieved between adjoining panelribs.

A novel panel or profiled panel constructed in accordance with thisinvention is best illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawing, and is generallydesignated by the reference numeral 1. The panel 1 is adapted for thecladding of walls, roofs, ceilings and the like and is preferablyconstructed from sheet metal to define a generally pla nar main panelportion la having a pair of transversely spaced longitudinally extendingside portions lb, 16. First and second longitudinally extending ribs 2,3, respectively, are disposed one along the first and second ones of thelongitudinally extending side portions lb, lc, respectively.

Each of the first and second ribs 2, 3, respectively, as viewed intransverse cross section is of a generally inverted U-shapedconfiguration with each rib 2, 3, being defined by a pair of legs Ia,3a, respectively. and a bight or bight portion 2b, 3b, respectively,therebetween. The pair of legs 2a include lower leg portions 20, 2dwhich diverge away from the main panel portion la, and toward the bight2b and upper leg portions 2e, 2f which converge toward each other in adirection away from the main panel portion 1a, and toward the bight 2b.Between the leg portions 2f, 2d is an undercut or shoulder 2g whereasthe leg portion 20 terminates at a free terminal end or edge 2h forminga longitudinally extending hook.

The leg 3a of the rib 3 likewise includes a pair of lower leg portions3c, 3d, the former of which immediately merges with a flat planar bightportion 3b and the latter of which is joined to an upper leg portion 32by a shoulder 3f. The lower leg portion 3d has a terminal edge(unnumbered) which also serves to function as an interlock with respectto the rib 2 of an adjoining panel, as will be described more fullyhereinafter.

The bight 3b of the rib 3 has a plurality of apertures (unnumbered)disposed along the length thereof and between the ribs 2, 3 may beformed one or more reinforcing ribs, such as the singular reinforcingrib 4 which is likewise of a generally inverted U-shaped configurationas viewed in transverse cross section. The apertures (unnumbered) of thebight 3b of the rib 3 is designed to receive fasteners 5, such as metalor wood screws, having relatively thick and large heads 5a.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, a plurality ofthe panels 1 are shown fixed by the screws 5 to an understructure 6which may be, for example, one of a plurality of beams having webs 8.The screws 5 pass only through the apertures (unnumbered) of the ribs 3which are, of course, of a shorter height than the ribs 2 as measuredvertically from the main panel portion 1a of each panel 1. Thus as theribs 2 are interlocked with the ribs 3 by a rotary motion, as indicatedby the right-handmost rib l of FIG. 2 in the direction of the unnumberedheaded arrow associated therewith, an interlock is achieved between theribs 2, 3 with a gap being provided for receipt of the relatively largeheads of the screws 5, as is best illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawings.

Preferably though not necessarily the panels I are also provided with aninsulating layer 7 of foam plastic or like material which with eachpanel 1 forms an integral composite panel thereby eliminating theseparate application of insulation material in the assembly of thepanels 1 with the support structure 6. Preferably the insulatingmaterial 7 has a planar bottom surface to rest flush upon the uppersurface (unnumbered) of the webs 7 of the beams, rafters or the likeunderstructure 6.

Reference is specifically made to FIG. 3 which shows the rigid interlockachieved between the ribs 2, 3 upon the rotation of the adjoining panelsto the finally snapengaged position of the ribs. Due to theconfiguration of the portions 20, 2d, 2f, 2g and 212 of the rib 2 andthe complementary contoured portions 30, 34!, 3e and 3f of the rib 3 anexceptionally rigid interlock engagement is obtained between the ribs 2,3 assuring the absence of inadvertent and/or accidental disassemblytherebetween. However, intentional disassembly is achieved with easesimply by reversing the direction of assembly heretofore describedrelative to the right-handmost panel 1 of FIG. 2.

Again referring to FIG. 3'of the drawing,'the insulating material 7 ofthe panels 1' is preferably also provided with longitudinally extendingsteps 9, adjacent the respective ribs 2, 3. The step 9 adjacent the rib2 faces downwardly and away from the main panel portion la whereas thestep 10 adjacent the rib 3 faces upwardly and toward the main panelportion 1a. The steps 9, 10 interlockingly engage each other due to thecomplementary contour thereof in the manner readily apparent in FIG. 3upon, of course, the relative rotational interlocking action beingimparted to one of the panels during the assembly thereof in the mannerheretofore described relative to the right-'handmost panel 1 of FIG. 2.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the underside of the insulation 7 aswell as the faces and adjoining portion of the steps 9, 10 are providedwith a covering of relatively impermeable material to assure that theinsulation will not be adversely affected by the moisture,

dirt and the like. Additionally, the panels of FIG. 2 may also beadvantageously laid in offset relationship to one another in theirlongitudinal direction so that in each case there is a minimum ofmaterial overlap thickness at each of the overlap regions, namely, amaximum of three thicknesses of sheet material at adjoining longitudinaljoints.

Another panel constructed in accordance with this invention isillustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6 of the drawings and once again isdesigned particularly for the cladding of walls, ceilings, roofs and thelike. As in the case of the panel 1 the panel 11 is constructed fromsheet material and includes longitudinally extending ribs 12, 13 havingrespective legs 12a, 12b and 13a, I312. The legs 12a, 13a correspondidentically in structure to the leg portions 22, 2c and 211 of the panel1 whereas the leg 13a corresponds identically to the leg portion 3c ofthe leg 3a of the panel 1.

The legs 12 and 13 also include bight portions 12c, 130 which receivefasteners 21. What was, one or more reinforcing ribs 13 may be disposedbetween the ribs l2, 13, as in the case of the reinforcing rib 4 of thepanel 1. However, as opposed to the panel 1 the legs 12b, 13b of theribs 12, 13 do not include a shoulder corresponding to the shoulder 3fof the ribs 3 but instead include generally normal or vertical legportions 12d, 13b, the latter of which merges directly with the bight130 whereas the former is joined by an upper leg portion 12s to thebight 12L. Thus the portions 12d, 13b are devoid of undercutting and aresimply straight or very slightly curved. It should be particularly notedthat the lower leg portion 12d is transversely innermost relative to therib 12 whereas the leg or flank 13b is transversely outermost of the rib13. Due to this construction inner engagement between the ribs l2, 13 ofadjacent panels is readily effected by a turning or rotary movementabout a centerpoint 15 (FIG. 4) of the portion 130 of the rib 13, as ismost readily apparent by visualizing the right-handmost panel 11 of FIG.4b in the 16 and/or the additional panel 17 is provided with atransversely directed longitudinally extending projection 18 adjacentthe rib 12 having surfaces 18a, 18b converging in a directiontransversely outboard of the overall panel 11. At an oppositelongitudinal edge of the panel 11 adjacent the rib 13 the panel 17 hasan longitudinally extending surface 20 contoured to the generalconfiguration of the surface 18a of the transversely projectinglongitudinally extending rib 18. Thus upon assembly of two of thecomponents of panels 11 of FIG. 5 one to the other, in the mannerillustrated in FIG. 6, smooth engagement is achieved between the surface18a of the projection 18 and the undersurface 20 adjacent the rib 13. Inorder to achieve a vapor seal (where found necessary or desirable)between the panels sealing strips 22, 23 (FIG. 6) may be disposed alongthe longitudinal lengths of these innerconnections, although such is nota prerequisite for the operation of the invention.

While preferred forms and arrangements of parts have been shown inillustrating the invention, it is to be clearly understood, that variouschanges in details and arrangement of parts may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A panelling combination for the cladding of walls, ceilings, roofs orthe like comprising at least a pair of generally identical panels, eachpanel having a generally planar main panel portion having a pair oftransversely spaced longitudinally extending side portions, first andsecond longitudinally extending ribsone along first and second ones ofsaid longitudinally extending side portions of each panel, each of saidfirst and second ribs as viewed in transverse cross section being of agenerally inverted U-shaped configuration each defined by a pair of legsand a bight therebetween, each pair of legs having at least lower legportions which diverge away from each other in a direction away fromtheir associated main panel portion and toward their respective bight,each of said first and second longitudinally extending ribs of eachpanel being of a predetermined height as measured between theirassociated bight and their associated main panel portion, the height ofeach first longitudinally extending rib being greater than the height ofeach second longitudinally extending rib of each panel the divergentrelationship of each rib of each panel is effected by at least one lowerleg portion of each pair of legs being disposed at an angle other thannormal to said main panel portion, the first longitudinally extendingrib of a first of said pair of panels being in overlying snap engagementwith the second longitudinally extending rib of the second of said pairof panels, the bights of said snap engaged ribs being substantiallyspaced from each other to define a gap therebetween, at least a singlefastener having a head and a shank, said shank being passed through anaperture of said second panel second rib bight, and said head beinghoused in said gap.

2. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 wherein in eacn panelthe bight of the rib of lower height is generally fiat.

3. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said at leastone lower leg portion of each pair of legs is a transversely outermostlower leg portion of said first longitudinally extending rib of eachpanel and a transversely innermost lower leg portion of said secondlongitudinally extending rib of each panel.

4. The panelling combination as defined in claim 3 wherein upper legportions of said first longitudinally extending rib of each panel are inconverging relationship to each other in a direction away from theirassociated main panel portion and toward the bight of their associatedfirst longitudinally extending rib.

5. The panelling combination as defined in claim 3 wherein upper legportions of said second longitudinally extending rib of. each panel arein converging relationship to each other in a direction away from theirassociated main panel portion and toward the bight of their associatedsecond longitudinally extending rib.

6. The panelling combination as defined in claim 3 wherein upper legportions of said first longitudinally extending rib of each panel are inconverging relationship to each other in a direction away from theirassociated main panel portion and toward the bight of their associatedfirst longitudinally extending rib and the upper leg portions of saidsecond longitudinally extending .rib of each panel are in convergingrelationship to each other in a direction away from their associatedmain panel portion and toward the bight of their associated secondlongitudinally extending rib.

7. The panelling combination as defined in claim 3 wherein said at leastone lower leg portion of each pair of legs is a transversely outermostfree terminal lower leg portion of said first longitudinally extendingrib of each panel and a transversely innermost nonterminal lower legportion of said second longitudinally extending rib of .each panel.

8. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said at leastone lower leg portion of each pair of legs is a transversely outermostlower leg portion of said first longitudinally extending rib of eachpanel and a transversely innermost lower leg portion of said secondlongitudinally extending rib of each panel, and the remaining lower legportion of each pair of legs is generally normal to said planar mainpanel portion.

9. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said at leastone lower leg portion of each pair of legs is a transversely outermostfree terminal lower leg portion of said first longitudinally extendingrib of each panel, and a transversely innermost nonterminal lower legportion of said second longitudinally extending rib of each panel.

10. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said atleast one lower leg portion of each pair of legs is a transverselyoutermost lower leg portion of said first longitudinally extending ribof each panel and a transversely innermost lower leg portion of saidsecond longitudinally extending rib of each panel, and said second ribbight of each panel is immediately joined to a transversely outermostleg of said second longitudinally extending rib of each panel.

11. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 including anothergenerally planar main panel portion forming each panel, and insulatingmeans between said two main panel portions of each panel.

12. The panelling combination as defined in claim 11 wherein said atleast one lower leg portion of each pair of legs is a transverselyoutermost free terminal lower leg portion of said first longitudinallyextending rib of each panel and a transversely innermost nonterminallower leg portion of said second longitudinally extending rib of eachpanel.

13. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 including anothergenerally planar main panel portion forming each panel, and said anotherplanar main panel portion of each panel includes a longitudinallyextend-- ing transversely projecting rib adjacent said firstlongitudinally extending rib of each panel.

14. The panelling combination as defined in claim 13 wherein said atleast one lower leg portion of each pair of legs is a transverselyoutermost free terminal lower leg portion of said first longitudinallyextending rib of each panel and a transversely innermost nonterminallower leg portion of said second longitudinally extending rib of eachpanel.

15. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 including anothergenerally planar main panel portion forming each panel, said anotherplanar main panel portion of each panel includes a longitudinallyextending transversely projecting rib adjacent said first longitudinallyextending rib of each panel, and said another planar main panel portionof each panel includes a longitudinally extending transversely undercutsurface matching the contour of at least one surface of said projectingrib of each panel.

16. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said mainpanel portion of each panel includes insulating means upon an undersidethereof including within said second rib of each panel but excludingsaid first rib of each panel.

17. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said mainpanel portion of each panel includes insulating means upon an undersidethereof including within said second rib of each panel but excludingsaid first rib of each panel, a portion of said insulating meanstransversely exteriorly of said second rib of each panel defines a stepfacing toward said main panel portion of each associated panel, and aportion of said insulating means adjacent said first rib defines a stepfacing away from said main panel portion of each associated panel.

18. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 wherein the bight ofthe rib of lower height of each panel is generally flat, said at leastone lower leg portion of each pair of legs is a transversely outermostlower leg portion of said first longitudinally extending rib of eachpanel and a transversely innermost lower leg portion of said secondlongitudinally extending rib of each panel, the remaining lower legportion of each pair of legs is normal to or slightly inclined relativeto their associated planar main panel portion, said at least one lowerleg portion of said first longitudinally extending rib of each panelbeing a free terminal edge, said transversely innermost lower legportion of said longitudinally extending rib of each panel being anonterminal portion, said second rib bight is immediately joined to atransversely outermost leg of said second longitudinally extending ribof each panel, another generally planar main panel portions of eachpanel, said another planar main panel portion of each panel includes alongitudinally extending rransversely projecting rib adjacent said firstlongitudinally extending rib of its associated panel, said anotherplanar main panel portion of each panel includes a longitudinallyextending transversely undercut surface matching the contour of at leastone surface of said projecting rib, said insulating means being excludedfrom within said first rib of each panel, a portion of said insulatingmeans transversely exteriorly of said second rib of each panel defines astep facing toward its associated main panel portion, and a portion ofsaid insulating means adjacent said portions of said firstlongitudinally extending rib being in overlying snap engagement with theradius portions of said second longitudinally extending rib, and theheight of said gap being defined by the length of said v upper legportions of said first longitudinally extending rib projecting beyondand away from the bight of said second longitudinally extending rib.

l ti Ill l l UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OFCORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,906,696

DATED September 23, 1975 |NV ENTOR(S) I HANS POTER and CHRISTIANSCHRODER It is certified that error appears in the above-identifiedpatent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Assignee shoull read "Armco GmbH Un ternehmensbereich".

Signed and Scaled this sixth D y of January 1976 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arlesting Officer Commissioner uj'Parentsand Trademarks

1. A panelling combination for the cladding of walls, ceilings, roofs orthe like comprising at least a pair of generally identical panels, eachpanel having a generally planar main panel portion having a pair oftransversely spaced longitudinally extending side portions, first andsecond longitudinally extending ribs one along first and second ones ofsaid longitudinally extending side portions of each panel, each of saidfirst and second ribs as viewed in transverse cross section being of agenerally inverted U-shaped configuration each defined by a pair of legsand a bight therebetween, each pair of legs having at least lower legportions which diverge away from each other in a direction away fromtheir associated main panel portion and toward their respective bight,each of said first and second longitudinally extending ribs of eachpanel being of a predetermined height as measured between theirassociated bight and their associated main panel portion, the height ofeach first longitudinally extending rib being greater than the height ofeach second longitudinally extending rib of each panel the divergentrelationship of each rib of each panel is effected by at least one lowerleg portion of each pair of legs being disposed at an angle other thannormal to said main panel portion, the first longitudinally extendingrib of a first of said pair of panels being in overlying snap engagementwith the second longitudinally extending rib of the second of said pairof panels, the bights of said snap engaged ribs being substantiallyspaced from each other to define a gap therebetween, at least a singlefastener having a head and a shank, said shank being passed through anaperture of said second panel second rib bight, and said head beinghoused in said gap.
 2. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1wherein in eacn panel the bight of the rib of lower height is generallyflat.
 3. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said atleast one lower leg portion of each pair of legs is a transverselyoutermost lower leg portion of said first longitudinally extending ribof each panel and a transversely innermost lower leg portion of saidsecond longitudinally extending rib of each panel.
 4. The panellingcombination as defined in claim 3 wherein upper leg portions of saidfirst longitudinally extending rib of each panel are in convergingrelationship to each other in a direction away from their associatedmain panel portion and toward the bight of their associated firstlongitudinally extending rib.
 5. The panelling combination as defined inclaim 3 wherein upper leg portions of said second longitudinallyextending rib of each panel are in converging relationship to each otherin a direction aWay from their associated main panel portion and towardthe bight of their associated second longitudinally extending rib. 6.The panelling combination as defined in claim 3 wherein upper legportions of said first longitudinally extending rib of each panel are inconverging relationship to each other in a direction away from theirassociated main panel portion and toward the bight of their associatedfirst longitudinally extending rib and the upper leg portions of saidsecond longitudinally extending rib of each panel are in convergingrelationship to each other in a direction away from their associatedmain panel portion and toward the bight of their associated secondlongitudinally extending rib.
 7. The panelling combination as defined inclaim 3 wherein said at least one lower leg portion of each pair of legsis a transversely outermost free terminal lower leg portion of saidfirst longitudinally extending rib of each panel and a transverselyinnermost nonterminal lower leg portion of said second longitudinallyextending rib of each panel.
 8. The panelling combination as defined inclaim 1 wherein said at least one lower leg portion of each pair of legsis a transversely outermost lower leg portion of said firstlongitudinally extending rib of each panel and a transversely innermostlower leg portion of said second longitudinally extending rib of eachpanel, and the remaining lower leg portion of each pair of legs isgenerally normal to said planar main panel portion.
 9. The panellingcombination as defined in claim 1 wherein said at least one lower legportion of each pair of legs is a transversely outermost free terminallower leg portion of said first longitudinally extending rib of eachpanel, and a transversely innermost nonterminal lower leg portion ofsaid second longitudinally extending rib of each panel.
 10. Thepanelling combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said at least onelower leg portion of each pair of legs is a transversely outermost lowerleg portion of said first longitudinally extending rib of each panel anda transversely innermost lower leg portion of said second longitudinallyextending rib of each panel, and said second rib bight of each panel isimmediately joined to a transversely outermost leg of said secondlongitudinally extending rib of each panel.
 11. The panellingcombination as defined in claim 1 including another generally planarmain panel portion forming each panel, and insulating means between saidtwo main panel portions of each panel.
 12. The panelling combination asdefined in claim 11 wherein said at least one lower leg portion of eachpair of legs is a transversely outermost free terminal lower leg portionof said first longitudinally extending rib of each panel and atransversely innermost nonterminal lower leg portion of said secondlongitudinally extending rib of each panel.
 13. The panellingcombination as defined in claim 1 including another generally planarmain panel portion forming each panel, and said another planar mainpanel portion of each panel includes a longitudinally extendingtransversely projecting rib adjacent said first longitudinally extendingrib of each panel.
 14. The panelling combination as defined in claim 13wherein said at least one lower leg portion of each pair of legs is atransversely outermost free terminal lower leg portion of said firstlongitudinally extending rib of each panel and a transversely innermostnonterminal lower leg portion of said second longitudinally extendingrib of each panel.
 15. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1including another generally planar main panel portion forming eachpanel, said another planar main panel portion of each panel includes alongitudinally extending transversely projecting rib adjacent said firstlongitudinally extending rib of each panel, and said another planar mainpanel portion of each panel includes a longitudinally extendingtransversely undercut surface matching the contour of at least onesUrface of said projecting rib of each panel.
 16. The panellingcombination as defined in claim 1 wherein said main panel portion ofeach panel includes insulating means upon an underside thereof includingwithin said second rib of each panel but excluding said first rib ofeach panel.
 17. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid main panel portion of each panel includes insulating means upon anunderside thereof including within said second rib of each panel butexcluding said first rib of each panel, a portion of said insulatingmeans transversely exteriorly of said second rib of each panel defines astep facing toward said main panel portion of each associated panel, anda portion of said insulating means adjacent said first rib defines astep facing away from said main panel portion of each associated panel.18. The panelling combination as defined in claim 1 wherein the bight ofthe rib of lower height of each panel is generally flat, said at leastone lower leg portion of each pair of legs is a transversely outermostlower leg portion of said first longitudinally extending rib of eachpanel and a transversely innermost lower leg portion of said secondlongitudinally extending rib of each panel, the remaining lower legportion of each pair of legs is normal to or slightly inclined relativeto their associated planar main panel portion, said at least one lowerleg portion of said first longitudinally extending rib of each panelbeing a free terminal edge, said transversely innermost lower legportion of said longitudinally extending rib of each panel being anonterminal portion, said second rib bight is immediately joined to atransversely outermost leg of said second longitudinally extending ribof each panel, another generally planar main panel portions of eachpanel, said another planar main panel portion of each panel includes alongitudinally extending rransversely projecting rib adjacent said firstlongitudinally extending rib of its associated panel, said anotherplanar main panel portion of each panel includes a longitudinallyextending transversely undercut surface matching the contour of at leastone surface of said projecting rib, said insulating means being excludedfrom within said first rib of each panel, a portion of said insulatingmeans transversely exteriorly of said second rib of each panel defines astep facing toward its associated main panel portion, and a portion ofsaid insulating means adjacent said first rib of each panel defines astep facing away from its associated main panel portion.
 19. Thepanelling combination as defined in claim 1 wherein each pair of legshave upper leg portions which converge away from each other in adirection away from their associated main panel portion and toward theirrespective bight, a radius portion joining each lower leg portion toeach upper leg portion, the radius portions of said first longitudinallyextending rib being in overlying snap engagement with the radiusportions of said second longitudinally extending rib, and the height ofsaid gap being defined by the length of said upper leg portions of saidfirst longitudinally extending rib projecting beyond and away from thebight of said second longitudinally extending rib.